Healthy Ice Cream to Chill Your Summer

Do your kids bolt for the door every time they hear the siren song of the ice cream truck? Do you find yourself slurping a frozen concoction at the coffee shop that, if you’re being honest, is more like a milkshake than a cup of coffee?

It makes sense…it’s hot, and we want something cold and delicious to beat the heat. The good news is that you can make cold summer treats that are both super-tasty and surprisingly nutritious. With a little preparation, you’ll have healthier treats on hand whenever the craving for something refreshingly cold strikes.

Cookie Shakes

You’re probably already a pro at making delicious fruit smoothies. But if you’re looking for a healthy treat as scrumptious as what you’d find at your local ice cream parlor, try these shakes with Juice Plus+ Complete, based on popular cookie flavors.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie Shake

1 scoop Juice Plus+ Complete Dutch Chocolate Shake Mix

1 cup almond milk

1 cup ice

2 tablespoons peanut butter

½ a banana

1 handful spinach

1 teaspoon cocoa powder

Mint Chocolate Cookie Shake

1 serving of Juice Plus+ Complete Dutch Chocolate Shake

1 cup almond milk

1 cup of ice

½ a banana

1 handful spinach

½ teaspoon cocoa powder

¼ teaspoon peppermint extract

Fruit Granita

Trade the conventional snow cone — with all its bright dyes, artificial flavors and jacked up sugar content — for granitas made with real frozen fruit. They’re so ridiculously easy! These watermelon granitas rely on the natural sweetness of fruit, plus sometimes a touch of honey or stevia.

Chocolate-Covered Banana Pops

Does it get any easier than this kid-pleasing dessert? Just cut a banana in half crosswise, insert a craft stick in each half, freeze, then dip in melted chocolate and roll in crushed peanuts!

Real Fruit Popsicles

Nothing says summer like popsicles, but they don’t have to be made of frozen sugar water, artificial flavors and food dye! I’m especially excited to try these three fruit and veggie popsicles!

You can also make popsicles out of Juice Plus+ Complete shake mix, water or the milk of your choice. Adding fruit and a handful of greens makes them even healthier! Popsicle molds are a good investment if you eat of lot of these icy treats, but if you don’t have any, paper cups and craft sticks work, too.

What are your favorite healthy summer treats? Share in the comments below!